Seahawks' Michael Bennett denies asking for a trade

Brandon Schlager

Seahawks' Michael Bennett denies asking for a trade image

Seahawks pass rusher Michael Bennett denied reports that he is unhappy with his contract and has asked to be traded to the Falcons. The Seattle Times reported that the Seahawks had not heard from Bennett regarding a trade or pay raise, and later NFL.com cited a source who said there is no truth to the rumor.

Such a trade would reunite Bennett with former Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who is the new head coach in Atlanta.

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Bennett, 29, is one year into a four-year, $28.5 million extension he signed with the Seahawks last offseason. He signed a one-year deal with Seattle in 2013 and emerged as a key starter on the defensive line during Seattle's back-to-back Super Bowl trips, recording 15.5 sacks in 32 games.

The Seahawks were reportedly interested in end Greg Hardy, who remains on the commissioner's exempt list. However, Seattle has either pulled out of the race or Hardy, who has 34 career sacks, has other intentions, according to NFL.com.

Bennett originally signed with the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent from Texas A&M in 2009 but was claimed by the Buccaneers on waivers later that offseason. He played four seasons in Tampa Bay and has 30.5 career sacks.

Brandon Schlager

Brandon Schlager Photo

Brandon Schlager is an assistant managing editor at The Sporting News. A proud Buffalo, N.Y. native and graduate of SUNY Buffalo State, he joined SN as an intern in 2014 and now oversees editorial content strategy.